When hard pressed, I cried to the Lord; he brought me into a spacious place. The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?
I have spoken before about the importance of prayer. Prayer is often done in a variety of ways and no matter how you pray, pray. God hears every word. I feel the best prayers are prayers that come from the heart. I have been enjoying this quarters Sabbath School lesson which is on the Psalms, and it talks a great deal about the Psalms being prayers. This really speaks to my heart. Recently I had an experience where I prayed in the form of a Psalm without even really planning on it.
Last week we had two snowstorms in the area where I live. I hate having to drive in bad weather and am grateful to God that I don’t have to drive to and from work since I work from home. But l found myself having to drive in the early morning during the first storm. I got behind the wheel, buckled my seatbelt, and began to pray. I did not sit there in the car with my eyes closed and head bowed. I spoke out loud the whole time I drove.
I found myself talking to God about how He is our creator. I thanked Him for everything I could think of. I asked for His guidance while I drove. I asked Him to drive the car for me. I asked Him to look out for everyone who had to be on the road and all those who had no home to go to for warmth. I talked about how I am not worthy but so grateful for His love, mercy, and grace. I praised Him for how awesome He truly is. I covered so many things during this prayer. Once I got to my destination, I thanked God for His protection.
Because of this experience, I have a new love for the Psalms. I see how praying the Psalms can truly be beneficial and help in learning how to pray. I have an appreciation for the study we are doing now and a desire to read more of the Psalms and to pray through the Psalms. I recommend studying the Psalms and especially praying the Psalms.
God gave me the above verse, Psalm 118:5-6 when I was looking for a verse to go with my experience. How great God is! Pray, He hears!